Tucked in West San Jose, Westgate Mall is a shopping mall that continues to quietly defy the odds. With a Thrifty Drug store opening on May 11, 1961, it was on its way to become the second-largest mall in San Jose, a distinction many may not realize as they stroll its now-relaxed, low-key corridors. In a retail landscape where similar-sized malls have vanished or struggled to stay relevant, Westgate Center is not only open—it’s thriving.
A modest giant in San Jose’s retail history
Developed by Morris Stulsaft during the postwar suburban boom, Westgate Mall opened as an open-air center—one of the first major postwar shopping complexes in the South Bay. In its early years, it competed with other major malls like Stevens Creek Plaza and Valley Fair, and hosted anchors like JCPenney (opened October 12, 1961), W. T. Grant, Thrifty, Purity Stores, and eventually Montgomery Ward.
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| Vintage advertisement celebrating the grand opening of JCPenney at Westgate Mall in San Jose on October 12, 1961. |
In 1967, the shopping center kicked off a major renovation and expansion. It was enclosed and air-conditioned, JCPenney vacated their 62,000 sq. ft. store and built a new, larger store (159,840 sq. ft.) at one end of the mall, which opened March 6, 1968. Hart's Department Store took its place in their old store, and now the mall had over 60 stores.
In the 1970s, the mall would continue to grow and evolve. Montgomery Ward built a 164,000 sq. ft. store that opened on August 3, 1977.
While never flashy, it remained a reliable, mid-size regional mall that served the westside neighborhoods of San Jose, Saratoga, and Campbell.
Reinvention amid challenges: Westgate’s 1980s transformation
By the late 1980s, Westgate was starting to show signs of aging. Key tenants like JCPenney and Woolworth’s closed their doors. At that time, the common response to aging malls was to build a new one somewhere else. However, the retail development industry was facing a credit crunch—new mall projects struggled to secure funding, while financing was still available for expanding existing properties.
Seizing this opportunity, Westgate’s owners invested $25 million to renovate and expand the mall by 70,000 square feet—an ambitious and costly move for a mall of its size. The refresh introduced a softer aesthetic with pink and white tones, alongside new tenants such as Burlington Coat Factory and Home Express.
Recognizing they couldn’t directly compete with larger regional malls like Valley Fair, Westgate’s management strategically repositioned the mall as a value-oriented shopping destination. This pivot paid off, boosting sales by 6 to 8% and bringing foot traffic back to the center.
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| A 2001 mall map of Westgate Mall in San Jose, showing the future site of Target marked “Coming Soon,” replacing the former Montgomery Ward space. Key tenants of the era include Michael’s, Ross, Nordstrom Rack, and Century Theaters—signaling the center’s shift toward value-oriented and entertainment-driven retail. |
Survival by simplicity
By 2009, Westgate Mall had taken on the kind of identity many malls had lost: calm, community-oriented, and service-based. That year, photos showed sunlit interiors, wide aisles, and a crowd-free experience that felt more like an extended neighborhood center than a traditional mall.
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| A 2009 interior view of Westgate Mall, where locals still shop, get their hair done, and enjoy the rare comfort of an uncrowded mall. |
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| Another look inside Westgate Mall in 2009—wide mall, no crowds, and a welcoming space to linger without the chaos of larger centers. |
In an age where most malls turned into impersonal chains or emptied out entirely, Westgate stayed personal. Independent shops remained. Foot traffic was steady but never overwhelming. There were no pushy kiosks or aggressive salespeople—just a peaceful, functional shopping environment.
A mall that lets you breathe
The best part? It’s rarely crowded. You can stroll freely, park easily, and actually enjoy your time there. Whether you're grabbing a coffee, picking up a gift, or just window-shopping, Westgate offers the rarest thing of all in retail today: peace and ease. Plus, there's Target, Ross, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, and a great T&T Supermarket. For outlet lovers, there's Nordstrom Rack, Gap Factory Outlet, and the Nike Factory Store. All good reasons to visit.
Still serving since 1961
Westgate Mall may not grab headlines, but that’s exactly why it works. In an era dominated by luxury flagships and retail collapses, it’s quietly succeeded by sticking to the basics and serving its community.
A mall that opened in 1961, survived the retail implosions of the 2000s, and remains relevant today? Now that’s a story worth remembering.
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